The Role of Napkin Folding in Luxury Hotels & The Popular Napkin Folds

At any true luxury hotel, the table speaks of the experience before the first dish even arrives. How? Through the napkin folding and table setting, of course. Nothing speaks of indulgence and elevated dining quite like a pristinely folded linen napkin sat on the center of a spotless plate. Napkin folding is one of the quietest details in luxury hospitality, yet it does an outsized amount of work, setting the tone for the meal and signaling the standard of everything that follows. Our article covers what is napkin folding and its importance, its history, and the popular napkin folds you’d often see in luxury spaces.

What is Napkin Folding?

Napkin folding is the art of decorative folding done with cloth napkins to enhance table settings. A pressed and starched square cloth napkin is commonly used for the best results. With this shape, it’s easiest to achieve a variety of folds and styles to make decorative art. 

The History of Napkin Folding

Napkin folding has a long history. It’s said that napkin folding originated in Europe in the 1500s during the Renaissance. Renaissance is a French word meaning “rebirth” or “revival”. It’s the name used to describe the historical period in Europe where major cultural and intellectual movements were taking place. It’s no surprise that napkin folding grew popular during this time.  Rather than simply laying a tablecloth flat on a table, they were folded into large centerpieces and called “triumphs”. It was considered a symbol of status and wealth of the host or hostess. The napkins could depict a variety of real or mythical animals, and even architectural forms. As the years went by, elaborate napkin folding became common in European courts, often used to signify the importance of the occasion or the standing of the host.

Popular Napkin Folds

There is no shortage of ways to fold a napkin. With a creative mind, a singular piece of starched table cloth can go a long way. We share the most popular folds and shapes with you, so that you may be able to recognise them the next time you’re at a sophisticated restaurant or luxury space.

• Crown – Like its name suggests, the Crown fold is shaped like the item it is named after. This was very popular in royal households in Italy and Germany, becoming a traditional table decoration over time. It’s shaped like a tall pointed cone standing in the middle, with wide curling petals fanning out around its base.
• Lotus – Shaped like the flower of the same name, the Lotus napkin fold is also called the Water Lily. When properly done, this shape is a flat square with four rounded petals folded up from each corner, meeting at a single point in the center. With its intricate floral shape, it’s a crowd pleaser in luxury spaces. 
• Bishop’s Hat – Named after the traditional tall, pointed hat worn by bishops in Christian churches called a mitre. It features two stiff, pointed peaks at the front and back.
• Fan – The fan napkin fold is a classic. It’s done easily by making crisp accordion pleats and locking them with a simple triangular base. It’s often used in luxury hotels, particularly the Mandarin Oriental who has the shape in its official logo.
• Candle – Arguably the easiest of the classic napkin folds to accomplish, the Candle is shaped like its namesake. To accomplish it, simply fold a napkin in half diagonally to form a triangle. Then fold one-quarter of the napkin’s base edges, forming a cuff. Turn the napkin over and carefully roll from left to right. By now, it’ll look exactly like its name suggests. Simply tuck the remaining corner inside the cuff to hold the candle firm and upright.

Experience Ultimate Luxury at the Royal Wing Suites & Spa

Now that you know what each of these napkin folds looks like, you’ll likely start noticing them everywhere. Half the pleasure of a well-set table is recognising the work behind it. There’s no better place to put that eye to the test than our award-winning Chaîne des Rôtisseurs-accredited steak house in Pattaya, Royal Grill Room & Wine Cellar. Every table is decorated with the same precision the kitchen brings to its premium imported meats. 

Put your newfound knowledge to the test today. Reserve a stay at the Royal Wing Suites & Spa and enjoy their variety of award-winning restaurants. Accomplish this with ease by clicking here or sending us an email at [email protected]. You can also call us at 038 250 421 or chat with us directly via LINE (@royalcliff) or WhatsApp (+66842289596) to secure your booking.